What makes good Italian food and a great Italian restaurant? This is what I think.
Italy has a wonderful tradition of fine food items. Italian food’s importance to Italian culture can’t be overstated. It is among the central elements, and why shouldn’t it be? Think about Italy’s geography for a second:
It runs a long shot from north to south. Therefore, offers wide array of accelerating seasons and soil types. This means a rich diversity of ingredients for food.
It is a peninsula, meaning it is nearly surrounded with sea but also connected to terrific Eurasian land size. There is an abundance of fresh seafood and foreign ingredients from neighboring lands.
It sits between Europe and Africa in the Med. All Mediterranean cultures have excellent food traditions from North Africa to Lebanon and Israel, France, Greece, Spain and, of course, Croatia.
When you involving noodles and pasta, you probably think of Italy, but those wonderful inventions began to Italy from China thanks to Marco Polo. It tells you a lot about Italian food culture that something so basic became related to Italy even though it did not originate there.
Anyway, food is often a key element of Italian culture. Therefore, the food is the most important part within the restaurant. Of course, a great Italian restaurant will possess a great wine list, a clean and stylish decor, and wonderful service, but a first rate Italian restaurant can have by on great food alone, even if they have a crummy wine list, poor service, also dingy decoration pattern.
By the way, if you leave an “Italian” restaurant hungry, it’s definitely not authentic. A white tablecloth and high bill do not a great bistro ensure. Frankly, I can’t stand those fancy Italian restaurants in Manhattan that impose $400 for a morsel that gives you want to stop for a slice of pizza on the way home. A great Italian ristorante will leave you full, not stuffed, but full.
The second aspect of a great Italian restaurant is each month. The service will be warm and professional, even though overly friendly. Recognized orders are taken and the meal gets rolling, the service should be nearly invisible. Run — don’t walk — from any Italian restaurant where the waitperson address the table like this:
“How you guys doin’ tonite?” when ladies are seated while dining. This is most un-Italian . An Italian would never call women “guy.” Along with spaghetti-and-meatballs-type places, the waiter might say, “How is everyone today?” The won’t tarry with small talk in the white-tablecloth places, not you’ll be able to ones, while. It is all about the meal at the same time comfort.
The third aspect in regards to a great Italian restaurant will be the ambiance. I not really know what it is, but Italians could be seen as able to create a wonderful atmosphere anywhere. I’ve eaten at places in strip malls in the suburban areas of Denver — as un-romantic an environment as can be — arrive close to great. A totally outstanding Italian restaurant will just have a certain feeling from when you walk in the door, a warmth and maybe a glow that can’t sometimes be described.
So the priorities are food first, service second, and a ambiance 3. If all three are met, you can recommend a great Italian restaurant.
Ciro & Sal’s
4 Kiley Ct, Provincetown, MA 02657
(508) 487-6444